Cult of Pretty

I arrived home from a 24 hour business trip to find the most delicious thing on my desk — this REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask.

You know I love a weekly deep cleansing mask … and I also felt disgusting from the airplane, as one does … so I immediately slathered this on.

This gentle treatment goes on like something you’d spread on toast and savor by the side of your infinity pool — papaya honey, let’s call it. The active ingredients are a blend of four fruit acids (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) that purge pores without irritation. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wipe off with the included cotton cloth.

YUM.

I loved that it left my skin soft and really moisturized - the opposite of that stripped feeling common to cleansing masks. Also, like all REN products, it’s paraben, sulfate, petrochemical and synthetic dye and fragrance free.

Also perfect for post fashion week face rehabilitation.

Does this: Gentle and delicious deep cleansing mask
Is this: REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask (and cloth, included)
Get this: Above
Price: $55

Image: David Sims for Alexander McQueen S13 via

With the holidays cold, flu and family fighting season truly upon us, may I suggest that you arm yourself with this remedy:

While your Cloud of Protection may include eggnog infused with Bacardi 151 and non-stop refreshing of Instagram at the dinner table, mine includes this essential oil tincture that ‘fights airborne bacteria & viruses’ with eucalyptus while more importantly clearing negativity by filling the room with microscopic droplets of rose + vanilla scented good vibes.

Also ideal for air travel and stocking stuffing!

Does this: Keeps one of sound mind and body
Is this: By Nieves Cloud of Protection
Get this: Above
Price: $18

Image: Vogue Italia

I’ve been office surfing a bit this summer on the Upper East, and one of the office mainstays (a guy in finance, mind you) mentioned he was going to Brazil and would I like anything from there.  I couldn’t resist asking for some cult beauty products - ‘some what?’ - ‘you know, things that are cult-ish, brands that are classic, funny little products, that kind of thing’ - ‘I have no idea what you mean.’

Imagine my surprise when a pile of Granado items showed up on my desk!  He told me a little about this brand, which is sort of the Kiehl’s or C.O. Bigelow of Brazil … and when I dug deeper I realized that, yes, this is the ne plus ultra of Brazilian cult beauty.

This apothecary was founded in 1870 in Rio, and was not only the go-to locale for tinctures of health etc., but was also a social center (sort of like a Starbucks, back when you wanted to hang out in Starbucks).  The company was acquired from the Granado family in 1994, but hasn’t lost its roots in classic, effective and simple beauty products. (You can read all about the brand here).

My favorites are these lip glosses in Suave and Emoliente (technically smooth and emollient, but I think it’s more like matte and glossy). 

I was also blessed with what is potentially a lifetime supply of these Terramater mud packs … they’re pure mineral mud, and you just add water to create a paste which is actually surprisingly exfoliating.  I rub it on like a scrub, then leave it to dry like a mask.

I can’t wait to get back to Brazil and go in this place!  The original flagship in Rio still exists … dreamy.

Go there: Granado, the cult apothecary of Brazil
Find this: Rua Primeiro de Março 14 Centro, Rio, Brazil (info here)

Thanks so much GABRIEL!  You DO know what cult beauty is.

Ok, so it’s already the middle of July and I’m going to tell you about the best cult sunscreens you’ve never heard of.  Where was this in June you ask? It was in my head, and my head was at my desk under some fluorescent light.  It was only a couple weeks ago that I ventured into the sun and it didn’t go that well, to be honest, hence this research … which I based on a list that my aunt-in-law gave me from the Harvard Vanguard Derm Dept.

So, if you’ve already been burned by your sunscreen choice (I’m sure no one has ever used that pun before …) look no further:

1. Ocean Potion Zinc Oxide Face Potion Clear Zinc 45 ($3.20) - The long-lasting cult favorite of surfers, this is a great formula if you hate that pale-ing out effect many facial sunscreens have (it’s completely clear).  It’s also great for backs of hands (I’m obsessed with this area; it really shows your age), ears, collarbones (I get heat rashes on my collarbone) etc.

2. Baby Blanket Faces Sunscreen SPF 45 ($5.99) - I have a horrible problem with products stinging my eyes, and I pretty much ruined an entire vacation day recently because I put body sunscreen on my face and it got in my eyes.  This is sting-free, light and great for sensitive skin.

3. Total Block COTZ SPF 58 ($19.99) - This is described by Harvard Vanguard as “the best invisible, weightless, oil-free, scentless, complete coverage, chemical-free, sting-free, waterproof facial sunscreen.” Alrighty then.

4. Hawaiian Tropic Sensitive Skin Stick SPF 50 ($4.79) - I love this for touch ups on days when we’re out and about or boating.  It’s great for refreshing coverage on your face and hands or for swiping on a wily kid.

5. Neova DNA Damage Control SILC Sheer SPF40 ($42.90) - If you’re looking for a great everyday sunscreen/tinted moisturizer, or just want to look good at the beach, this is a highly-recommended tinted, slightly pearlized mineral sunscreen that absorbs beautifully and provides excellent protection.

PS There’s some summer sale stuff on my new style tumblr, Lady.

Image: Kristen-Lee Moolman

Surprise + welcome to this special GIVEAWAY Monday to celebrate the new cult beauty flash sale site gloss48! which might as well have been designed for me - I’ve already discovered new cult brands here and it’s only in beta …

Today’s 48 hour beauty sale kicks off at 11am E with lip gloss trios from Armour for $50 (retail $63), but 3 lucky winners will get my trio pick just for signing up for gloss48 here.

Armour was created by rocker and model Theo Kogan to solve a common issue: lip gloss that wouldn’t stay put on stage.  These cruelty-free, earth friendly glosses are packed with shea + olive butters and avocado oil, so they feel super moisturizing but manage to stay put with a clingy but non-sticky formula that you kind of have to experience to understand. 

My favorites for summer are the magical Marilyn, which looks white/iridescent but creates a really naturally pink yet dynamic, full-looking lip; the on-trend bright coral Lucy; and the sheer pink Cat Club.

TO ENTER TO WIN THIS SUMMER LIP WARDROBE ($63 value), there’s only one step > click over to gloss48’s Facebook and submit your entry!

Happy Monday : )

This contest + post is brought to you by gloss48; all editorial content my own; image via Artsomething

I’m really proud to say I’m the exclusive 103138194th person to post this photo.

This picture makes me want to wear lip color and steal a brown contact from the optician … they always leave me alone in there anyway. But here is my deal - I’m kind of afraid of lipstick. I feel like I need to check in the mirror every 30 seconds when I have it on in case it’s moved off my mouth in a clown-like fashion. Also, do you guys actually have lip liner to match all your different lipsticks?  Do people do that?

But anyway! Prayers answered: look what Bite just sent … their new invisible lip liner/primer.

This extra-big rubberized pencil has its own sharpener, and the formula is super minty … it’s very tempting to use it as a lip balm although the consistency is harder. It creates a feather-proof outer lip line and a longwear base for lipstick - so easy, I really don’t know where this thing was heretofore?

Anyway, it’s here now! Check it out with your own uniformly colored eyes ->

Does this: Clear lip liner and primer that works, tastes delicious and has a great package
Is this: Bite Line + Define Lip Primer
Get this: Above
Price: $22.00

Image: InStyle

Let’s pretend, shall we?  Pretend we are here.  Pretend we have this hair situation.  And pretend we are tan, whilst at the same time staying alive, with today’s amazing and totally safe Laura Geller body bronzing GIVEAWAY ($45 value).

CONTEST OVER THANKS FOR PLAYING!

Laura Geller is one of my favorite cult brands, and they call themselves the “Baked Authority” (dude!). Anyway, this Baked Body Frosting in Tahitian Glow is my drug - it’s a buildable powder that can also be used wet for a richer glow. 

It’s sold out in her online store right now, but what better excuse to tune in to QVC today or log on here (or, watch the sneak peek here) - she’s doing a Glow-n-Behold Kit with this product and 3 other brand new goodies for $54.48 ($118 value).

TO ENTER TO WIN THIS BRONZING POWDER ($45) YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH OF THESE STEPS … PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BELOW.

1. Do ONE of the following…. follow Cult of Pretty on Bloglovin’ OR be follower of Cult of Pretty on tumblr OR subscribe via email.

2. Leave a DISQUS comment below [click through if you’re reading this in tumblr] and tell me, are you a beach person or a pool person … or an in the shade under a tree person?  I am … a pool person, if I *had* to choose, because sand is sometimes annoying and I’m afraid of waves.  Don’t comment in “Ask Me Anything” OR in the “FAN NOTE” area of tumblr <—- guys, click through please, leave a comment on the blog not inside tumblr!

3. You must be 18 or older to enter.  (You can ask someone to enter on your behalf if you like, up to you, but the prize will be sent to their attention).

Contest ends next Friday May 11, 2012 at 11.59pm Eastern.  If you subscribe or follow to enter, you must be subscribed or following at the time of the drawing. Multiple comments DO NOT increase your chances of winning but love ya. Winner is drawn at random.

Product c/o the brand; image: Corinne Day

I recently had the opportunity to buttonhole living legend, Hollywood makeup artist and cult product creator Carol Shaw of LORAC. If she knew how long I’ve held on to some of her cult products like the Vitamin E balm, digging out last drops, she would have sent my emails —» stalker folder.

Thankfully she can’t see inside my makeup bag.

Here is me picking her brain:

1. On LORAC’s cult products … | “The top LORAC cult favorite products are: TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer, UNZIPPED Shimmer & Matte Eye Shadow Palette and the Close Up Real Life to Red Carpet Eye Tutorial Set … the LORAC Natural Performance and Breakthrough Performance Foundations are really popular too!”

2. So what should every woman have packed and ready in her travel bag to stay gorgeous for a last minute trip (or staycation)? | “… a Face and Body Gradual Self-Tanner to instantly warm her complexion to look tan and gorgeous without the harmful effects of the sun!”

3. What about your own daily beauty routine – what can’t you live without? | “Concealer, mascara, bronzer and lip gloss! These 4 products instantly transform me everyday! First I use the LORAC Double Feature Concealer/Highlighter under my eyes and to cover imperfections, then I put on a couple of coats of Multiplex 3D Lashes Mascara, a pop of Baked Bronzer on my cheeks for a bronze luminous glow and finish with a hint of Lips With Benefits Gloss in Mark, a soft natural peach.”

4. As the premier Hollywood makeup artist, what up-and-coming stars are inspiring you in terms of beauty and style?

“I just worked with Analeigh Tipton for a French magazine, she was very cute in a waif-like way!”

5. We live in a High Def world these days, so we’re all trying to look camera-ready – but ironically, digital seems to really show your makeup and it’s easily to look overly made-up.  What are a few tips for looking fresh-faced and flawless with looking over-done? | “Use professional products that perform. Be light-handed and make sure you blend well! Start with a little color on your brush, you can add more, it is harder to take away then it is to add.  Match foundation as close as possible to your own skin tone so it looks natural.  Use powder sparingly to set your makeup.  Use universally flattering neutral shades on your eyes, cheeks and lips to be safe.”

Thank you Carol!  XO

Images: via LORAC, via Vogue